Terry Jones, one of the founding members of comedy troupe Monty Python, has been diagnosed with dementia.

In a statement released by Britain's film academy, a representative says the 74-year-old has primary progressive aphasia, which erodes the ability to use language. As a result, Jones can no longer give interviews.

News of Jones' illness came in a statement announcing he is to receive an award for outstanding contribution to film and television from the academy's Welsh branch.